Working
in the Middle East
Strictly
speaking, when working abroad, one is not classified as a tourist. However, it
is a great way to experience living in a foreign land and interacting with
other cultures. Working in Saudi Arabia also enables you to visit neighboring
countries and cities such as Dubai, Bahrain, Jordon, Egypt, Qatar, Oman and
other countries at affordable rates.
Working
in the Middle East is definitely a life changing experience. It could be the next
exciting move you make both personally
and professionally.
My
husband and I are currently working in Saudi Arabia. I am teaching at Princess
Nora University in Riyadh. It is the first women's university in Saudi Arabia
and the largest women-only university in the world, composed of 32 campuses
across the Riyadh region.
We have had many ups and downs but anyone who
has been here will tell you that it is no bed of roses. But with an open mind,
patience and tolerance you will find that the reward is definitely sweet!
The
first year is always the hardest and you may have to make some lifestyle
adjustments. But really, at the end of the day, it's not that bad especially if
you stay focused on your goals. When the going gets tough, just think about
that fat tax-free paycheck at the end of the month.
With
hard work, sacrifice and a whole lot of patience, it could actually help settle
all your debt back home and enable you to plan for your future with a clean
slate. Not many people get this great opportunity.
As a
South African Muslim, we are blessed and
grateful for this opportunity to work here and be so close to the two Holy
cities Makkah and Madina. We all know how expensive it is to visit the holy land from South Africa.
Working here enables you to visit Makkah and Madina with your family anytime
you choose.
Get the correct visa to make your life easier:
The correct visa to get is the employment visa, however it is common that people come over and work here on a temporary business visa. Strictly speaking, it is not legal to work on that visa but somehow it is 'acceptable'.
I will absolutely NOT recommend that people especially women come here on a business visa. People are willing to work in the middle east to save money but also to travel.
With a business visa, this is not possible. This is also the reason why my husband and I are not able to go back home this year and spend Ramadaan and Eid with our family.
We cannot leave the country as we will have trouble getting back into Saudi.
During the end of 1st semester vacation, many teachers were stranded all over the world because of the business visa. Some of them were even detained and deported. If you leave the country without a re-entry visa, you will have to get a new visa. This could take time and also become costly.
So please make sure that you come over on the proper employment visa to avoid unnecessary drama.
Requirements for work visa
This visa is issued to those who have the qualifications due and selected to fill in a vacant job in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi establishment must obtain Work Visas from the concerned authorities in the Kingdom.
When applying for this visa the following must be submitted to the approved agent.
1. A copy of the follow-up receipt showing the visa number issued from the Department of Foreign Affairs.
2. The electronic visa authorization.
3. The age of the applicant must not be less than 22 years.
4. A copy of the employment contract signed by both parties.
5. Passport valid for at least six months.
6. Copies of academic certificates and practical experience authenticated by the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
7. A medical report (the medical form and list of authorized labs can be obtained from authorized visa agents).
8. Police Clearance Certificate.
9. Two recent colored (6x4) personal photographs where the background must be white.
Get the correct visa to make your life easier:
The correct visa to get is the employment visa, however it is common that people come over and work here on a temporary business visa. Strictly speaking, it is not legal to work on that visa but somehow it is 'acceptable'.
I will absolutely NOT recommend that people especially women come here on a business visa. People are willing to work in the middle east to save money but also to travel.
With a business visa, this is not possible. This is also the reason why my husband and I are not able to go back home this year and spend Ramadaan and Eid with our family.
We cannot leave the country as we will have trouble getting back into Saudi.
During the end of 1st semester vacation, many teachers were stranded all over the world because of the business visa. Some of them were even detained and deported. If you leave the country without a re-entry visa, you will have to get a new visa. This could take time and also become costly.
So please make sure that you come over on the proper employment visa to avoid unnecessary drama.
Requirements for work visa
This visa is issued to those who have the qualifications due and selected to fill in a vacant job in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi establishment must obtain Work Visas from the concerned authorities in the Kingdom.
When applying for this visa the following must be submitted to the approved agent.
1. A copy of the follow-up receipt showing the visa number issued from the Department of Foreign Affairs.
2. The electronic visa authorization.
3. The age of the applicant must not be less than 22 years.
4. A copy of the employment contract signed by both parties.
5. Passport valid for at least six months.
6. Copies of academic certificates and practical experience authenticated by the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
7. A medical report (the medical form and list of authorized labs can be obtained from authorized visa agents).
8. Police Clearance Certificate.
9. Two recent colored (6x4) personal photographs where the background must be white.
Benefits of working in Saudi Arabia:
The employment packages on offer vary from company to company
within the Middle East.
Depending
on the company and location, the salaries on offer differ.
They
are dependent on the years of post graduate experience.
Packages in Saudi Arabia usually
include:
• 12 month contract with the potential
to renew on an annual basis
• TAX FREE Salary range between $3,000
to $4,000 ( per month
(dependent upon qualifications and
experience)
• 1 Round trip ticket or airfare per
year for you and 3 other members of your family.
• End of contract bonus
• 30 days paid vacation per contract
plus university-approved holidays
• Company paid medical insurance
coverage for you and your family.
• Provided accommodation OR a monthly
housing allowance.
• Provided transportation to and from
work OR a transport allowance of 1,000 SAR (approx. $267) per month
NB: - Packages vary
Before
applying to any company, ensure that you have the following requirements:
-
M.A./M.S. TESOL or M.A./M.S Linguistics OR
- M.A./M.S./ Bachelors/Btech degree in any field including a CELTA
or TESOL/TEFL certificate of at least120hours in person with no online
component.
- At least two years teaching experience
- Applicants must be NATIVE ENGLISH SPEAKERS
- Applicants must hold an American, Canadian, British, South
African, Australian or New Zealand Passport.
So do you qualify and are you ready to
take that plunge? Or do you know anyone who might be interested? If so, feel free to contact me for more information, tips and contacts.
Good Luck!
Email: muneerah_786@hotmail.com
Facebook Page: Tourism Buzz
Twitter: @tourismbuz
Go snorkeling and scuba-diving in the Red Sea!
No comments:
Post a Comment